If you’re a senior or have a loved one of senior age in your life, you know how important it is to stay active and healthy. Sometimes these things can be easier said than done depending on your level of health.
Occupational therapy has become quite popular among seniors. They can be used as a part of an injury recovery program or can simply help them reach certain health and activity goals they want to meet. Either way, a senior occupational therapist can revitalize their patients in ways few others can.
If you or a loved one is about to enter occupational therapy in the Mendota area, it’s important to get every benefit possible. To get the absolute most out of your therapy, we recommend doing the following things.
Be Patient
We know how eager you might be to get back on their feet again. However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain things will take time.
You don’t want to put too much strain on a body in need of help. Taking things slowly makes it easy to reach reasonable goals and helps ensure the safety of patients.
Milestones may change and goals may shift, but the overall goal is always to keep people living their best lives. Stay positive and enjoy whatever progress you’re making.
Come Prepared
If you’re getting occupational therapy services you’ve likely been referred by a doctor in the Mendota area. Your doctor probably sent over your medical records, but it’s still important to come to your first therapy appointment prepared with essential medical knowledge a trainer or therapist may need to know.
Make sure you let people you work with know about any medications or preexisting medical conditions. You never know what could affect your treatment plan.
Do you or your loved one have any health goals you want to meet? Are there any activities that are important like yoga, fishing, or swimming? Let people know.
One of the best things about occupational therapy is that it’s tailored to what you want to do. Don’t be shy about letting physicians and trainers know that there are certain end goals you want to reach.
Ask Questions
Do you not know how to do an exercise you just saw? Are you worried about your diet affecting your progress? Is it possible to add another goal to your list, or to push a milestone back?
Regardless of what it is, don’t be afraid to ask questions that are on your mind.
Open and honest communication is important in any kind of therapy, whether it’s for emotional or physical health. Being unclear on something could slow down your recovery process. Learn as much as you can about what you’re doing to get the most out of therapy.
Do the Work
There will be exercises that will have to be done outside of sessions. Activity goals need to be hit, logs need to be kept, and physical therapy work will have to be a part of life. All of these things may seem tedious, but they’re all for the benefit of the patient.
Therapy is a process. Certain things that may not seem important at the time could be the building blocks of your overall plan. The smallest exercise can have a big impact, so don’t overlook or ignore anything.
Embrace Occupational Therapy in Mendota
There’s a lot you can do to get the most out of your occupational therapy, but one of the most important parts of the process is finding the right facility and medical staff to work with in the Mendota area.
Are you interested in learning more about our occupational therapy services? Do you have questions about our long-term care options and other services we offer? Reach out to us today so we can help you with therapy services, assisted living, or whatever else you need.
